~~~GRANT BLACKLEY APPOINTED CEO OF TEN NETWORK HOLDINGS LTD

Ten Network Holdings has elevated the head of its television division, Grant Blackley, to chief executive of the company.

Mr Blackley will also continue as chief executive of the television network, a role he has held since 2005.

His service agreement will not be changed. Gerry Thorley will continue as CEO of the Eye Corp outdoor advertising business.

Mr Blackley’s rise to CEO follows the recent departure of executive chairman and chief executive
Nick Falloon after investments in the broadcaster by James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch.

Brian Long was last week appointed non-executive chairman while Mr
Packer
, Mr
Murdoch, fellow new Ten shareholder Gina
Rinehart
and lawyer Paul Mallam – who is a nominee of the company’s largest shareholder, Bruce Gordon – joined the board.

“The company should have a chief executive," Mr Long told the company’s annual general meeting last week. “The board will consider that when it meets."

Mr Long on Wednesday said the board was confident the company was in good hands.

“Grant brings considerable leadership strength and a wealth of industry experience to the role as the most senior executive within the Ten Holdings group of companies," he said.